Computational Discrete Mathematics

Overview:

This course presents material in discrete mathematics and computation theory with a strong emphasis on practical algorithms and experiential learning.

Discrete mathematics, also called finite mathematics or decision mathematics, is the study of mathematical structures that are fundamentally discrete in the sense of not supporting or requiring the notion of continuity. Objects studied in finite mathematics are largely countable sets such as integers, finite graphs, and formal languages. Concepts and notations from discrete mathematics are useful to study or describe objects or problems in computer algorithms and programming languages.

The CDM course is currently under development and we are making the course available while it is under development. Only one of the planned fifteen modules is currently available. The module on Groups that is currently available would appear mid-way through the complete course.

Additional Course Details

Topics Covered:

Groups

Additional Software or Materials Required:

You will need to have Flash, Java, and MathML installed. These programs are free. More detailed information is provided in the course under “Test and Configure Your System.”

Maintenance Fee (per student):

Free for both independent learners and academic students.

In-Depth Description

This course presents material in discrete mathematics and computation theory with a strong emphasis on practical algorithms and experiential learning. This approach makes it possible to cover material that would ordinarily be out of bounds for an undergraduate course. For example, the course covers finite state machines on infinite words and their applications to model checking.

ACADEMIC STUDENTS

Are you taking a class with an instructor? If so, you will need to register for an OLI account and then sign up for your class using a Course Key, which your instructor will provide.

What people are saying

We’re very supportive of this kind of environment – we think the Open Learning Initiative is leading the way.Martha Kanter, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, OLI event hosted by CMU in Washington D.C. Learn more